It isn't easy playing the waiting game as a goalie with high expectations chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft.

It appears Dallas Stars prospect and 2010 first-round pick Jack Campbell has finally come to grips with his situation and is at peace with where he is and where he wants to be in his development within the organization. It's a recipe for success for any young goalie aspiring to one day reach the NHL.

"If you were to ask me when I was 18 and drafted [No. 11] when I thought I would be playing in the NHL I would have thought I would have been able to make it by now for sure" Campbell told NHL.com at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament being held this week.

Campbell isn't alone. The mindset he had is probably the same as a majority of young drafted goalies but the 21-year-old has since changed his outlook for the better.

"I know it's all about growing up" Campbell said. "Even if I did dominate the last three years I probably still wouldn't be out there because it's all about the process of maturing a goalie and not rushing him … I get that now. I'm just trying to be the best goalie I can be wherever that may be. I just want to play a lot of hockey this year and wherever that is I'm ready to succeed."

Campbell began his professional career last season in the American Hockey League with the Texas Stars. It was a successful transition; the 6-foot-3 184-pound left-hander finished 19-13-3 with a 2.65 goals-against average .905 save percentage and two shutouts.

His most avid supporter and perhaps biggest critic the past four years has been Dallas Stars goalie coach Mike Valley.

"For any goaltender drafted at 18 you're excited to get to the NHL as quick as you can" Valley told NHL.com. "But the one thing you quickly realize is it takes time and it's a process. I think most goalies playing in the NHL today broke in at an average age of 24.8 so it's a process.

"For Jack the journey after being drafted [in 2010] has been filled with a lot of ups and several downs."

Campbell was considered by many the top player at his position entering the 2010 draft and the Stars backed that projection. He had an outstanding international career with USA Hockey winning multiple medals at the World Under-18 Championship and World Junior Championship.